Greensleeves
Michael Silverman and the Debussy Consort & Michael Silverman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him Lord

The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold, and myth
Come peasant, king, to own Him
The King of kings, salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary

Overall Meaning

The song "What Child Is This?" is a traditional Christmas carol that reflects on the birth of Jesus Christ. The first stanza talks about the baby, who is sleeping on Mary's lap attended by angels and shepherds, while the second describes Him as the King of kings, and salvation bringer, whose love deserves to be enthroned in every loving heart. The song is an invitation to all kings and peasant to come and acknowledge Him with incense, gold, and myrrh as gifts. The refrain reinforces the message that this is indeed Christ the King, and everyone should hasten to bring Him love and glory.

The lyrics of "What Child Is This?" capture the scene from the Nativity when Jesus is born and placed in a manger, attended by Mary, Joseph, angels, and shepherds who followed the star to reach the stable. The imagery used in the song vividly portrays the beauty and simplicity of the moment when the savior of the world was born. The refrain repeats the words "Christ the King" to emphasize the divine nature of the newborn, and that He is not like any other child that has come before.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this child, peacefully sleeping?

On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Resting on the lap of Mary?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Who are the angels singing to?

While shepherds watch are keeping?
While the shepherds are guarding Him?

This, this is Christ the King
This is the King of Christ.

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The shepherds guard and sing praises to Him.

Haste, haste to bring him Lord
Quickly, let us bring Him to the Lord.

The Babe, the Son of Mary
This Babe is the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myth
Bring Him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.

Come peasant, king, to own Him
All are welcome to worship Him, whether peasant or king.

The King of kings, salvation brings
He is the king of all kings, and brings salvation.